A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Adelaide for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Adelaide? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historical, colorful, and youthful city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Adelaide travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Adelaide: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Borobudur Temple
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Yogyakarta than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Yogyakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also well known for Borobudur Temple. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Yogyakarta different from Adelaide?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Adelaide and Yogyakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Yogyakarta is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Yogyakarta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Adelaide? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Yogyakarta. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for Beaches?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Adelaide is a very popular place for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Adelaide is considered a top beach destination. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.


Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for Hiking?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Adelaide is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Adelaide is a good destination for hiking. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Yogyakarta is renowned for shopping. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Yogyakarta. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Adelaide is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.


Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for Families?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Adelaide.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for Couples?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

With fun activities for couples, both Yogyakarta and Adelaide make for a nice place to visit.

Yogyakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Adelaide is a good city for couples to visit. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Yogyakarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.


Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for Students?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Both Yogyakarta and Adelaide are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Adelaide is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Adelaide has some very good public transit options. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Adelaide a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta
Adelaide

Adelaide is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Adelaide is a very walkable city. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Adelaide Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adelaide or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

It's fun to spend time in either Yogyakarta or Adelaide. In our opinion, Yogyakarta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Yogyakarta than Adelaide. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Yogyakarta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Yogyakarta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Adelaide if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Yogyakarta.


  • How many days in Yogyakarta or Adelaide? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yogyakarta 2-4 
    Adelaide 2-4

One day in Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

The city of Yogyakarta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the elegant city of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Yogyakarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yogyakarta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Yogyakarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Adelaide, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Adelaide or Yogyakarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $64, while the average daily cost in Adelaide is $133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yogyakarta and Adelaide in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $35
    Adelaide $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $70
    Adelaide $130
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Adelaide

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Adelaide? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Yogyakarta


Hotels in Adelaide


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.28
    Adelaide $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

Also for Yogyakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • YIA Airport Private Transfer: $12
  • YIA Airport Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfers: $94
  • Private Airport Transfer YIA: $22
  • Kulon Progo Waterfall Tour with Transfers: $37
  • Jomblang Cave Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $30
  • Borobudur ClimbUP Afternoon Guided and transfer: $26
  • Borobudur 5-hour Tour with Climb-up & Transfers: $25
  • Airport Transfer with Allowance of Delay & Bags: $30
  • ATV Riding Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
  • 5-Beach Full-Day Tour with Transfers & Entry Fee: $43
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour Through Villages with Transfers: $38

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers Adelaide Bus: $298
  • ADL Airport to City Centre | Port Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Prices for flights to both Adelaide and Yogyakarta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Yogyakarta $19
    Adelaide $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ramayana Show with Transfer, Entry Fee & Dinner: $13
  • Night Walking & Street Food Tour: $21
  • Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Morning Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Kotagede Night Food Tour: $27
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Optional Dinner: $28
  • Yogyakarta Historical Walking and Food Tour: $29
  • Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour: $30
  • Nighttime Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Cooking Class with Market Visit and Hotel Pickup: $33
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • 3-hour Cooking Class with Market Tour: $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $15
    Adelaide $14

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beautiful Sunrise and Exotic Jomblang Cave Tour: $67
  • "Java's Cultural Heritage: Borobudur and Prambanan Tour": $16
  • 1 Day Yogyakarta tour ( Borobudur temple, Merapi Lava Tour, Prambanan Temple): $76
  • 1 day Yogyakarta Tour Jomblang cave and Pindul Cave tubing: $72
  • 1 day tour borobudur temple,prambanan temple,plaosan temple: $40
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Javanese Culture - PRIVATE TOUR with GUIDE: $198
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Borobudur - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $183
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Pengger Heha - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $140
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Prambanan Breksi Ijo Temple - PRIVATE Tour with Guide: $184
  • 1Day Borobudur (Upper Level) and Prambanan Private Guided Tour: $149
  • 2-Day Borobudur Tour with Merbabu Camping and Hiking: $332
  • 3 Days 2 Nights A Tour of Culture and Nature: $115

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Barossa Tour from 4 Tastings & Lunch Included": $109
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $59
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $46
  • Adelaide City Highlights Full-Day Tour: $152
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $58
  • Adelaide City Highlights via Hahndorf Half-Day Tour: $107
  • Adelaide City Highlights- Hahndorf and Mt. Lofty Half-Day Tour: $87
  • Adelaide City and First Nations Cultural tour: $99
  • Adelaide City and Hahndorf Full Day Tour: $127
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours: $208
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours to Hahndorf & Hills Wildlife Wonders: $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.74
    Adelaide $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Half-day McLaren Vale & Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $59
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
  • Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting: $89
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $91
  • Adelaide Food Odyssey: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Barossa Day Out: Wines, Brewery, Chocolate & Lunch: $105
  • Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $111
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting tour & Winery Lunch: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch Departs 7 days a week : $120
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Adelaide, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yogyakarta is in Asia and Adelaide is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide than you might in Yogyakarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yogyakarta Expensive? and Is Adelaide Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Adelaide, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.